Bernard J. McCluskie

Bernard James McCluskie (1930-2011) He was born Bernard James McCluskie to Patrick and Georgina on July 3, 1930 in Irvine Scotland. As the youngest of five brothers: Frank, Patrick, Martin and Robert, there was always something unique about our Ben. Those who knew Ben recognized that there was something special about him. One of his teachers, a nun, at primary school remarked that Ben is natural leader who takes the class away. In the backdrop of the Great Depression Years and World War II, he was a larger than life character. As a young teenager he was known for his excellent footwork as footballer (soccer player) with Saint Joseph’s and later at semi-professional Hurlford United Juniors. This was complimented with his certain style and panache at the local dance clubs. From his choice of colorful tailored suits and a stylish DA hairstyle, it was apparent from the onset that he was special and there would only be one Ben McCluskie. In the current world of glamour footballers he was ahead of his time. From his period as a footballer, Ben was most fond of his time at St Joseph’s Boys Club where he played in the green and white hoops of his boyhood heroes, Glasgow Celtic and also where he won his first piece of silverware. As Ben moved into adulthood, he followed in the footsteps of his father and four brothers and entered the British armed forces. A two year stint in the Royal Scots Fusiliers took Ben to Germany, where along the way he would undertake a course as an apprentice Bricklayer that would give birth to his artisan skills. Upon leaving the Army, Ben followed his brother Bob down South to England and then later to Canada to work as a bricklayer. It was here in Toronto, Canada that Ben met the love of his life, Norma Soligo. Norma recalls, “He stood out from crowd with a burnt orange suit, I thought he owned the place.” They would later cut a rug to the jitterbug and the rest as we know is history. Ben and Norma wed on September 10, 1954. Soon thereafter, in January 22, 1956 Ben and Norma’s first child, a baby girl they named Donna was born. Ben’s skills as a top bricklayer were renowned as he set out as provider for his family in this new country. He and Norma, who also had an equally strong work ethic that was nurtured by hardworking parents from the mining town of Trail, British Columbia, forged a great partnership. The two shared similar ambitions and worked exceptionally hard to carve their way in life. Eventually, work would take them to Chicago and soon after arriving, so did their second daughter, Patricia, who was born on August 4, 1957. Two years later, their first son, Benny, was born on August 19, 1959, followed two years later by their second son Martin, on July 14, 1961. Throughout this period as their family grew, their young love blossomed and anything seemed possible for this hardworking couple. In a bustling Chicago metro area, Ben established himself as a tremendous bricklayer with a strong work ethic and a fine eye for detail. In those days, the common practice was to put the best and most talented bricklayers in the front of the building since the competition for construction work was so intense. Particularly for the more complex and commercially important buildings being built in Chicago during that time, Ben’s unique talent and skills assured he was one of the guys who were front and center which is where he liked to be and belonged…. in the limelight. As an ambitious pair, the couple pulled their money together and bought their first business, Ben’s Place. A local tavern in Chicago that was the first of many successful businesses ventures they would pursue in life. Ben would work as a bricklayer during the day and work the tavern during the night. Sadly, during these early years, their happiness was tragically interrupted by the untimely and heartbreaking loss of their beloved son Benny, in 1964. Approximately one year after this loss, the couple were overjoyed with the arrival of their fifth child, a daughter they named Diane on September 11, 1965. In 1967, with the sadness of Benny’s loss still resonating, Ben and Norma decided to get a fresh start and moved to Highland, Indiana and purchased Bob’s Motel, which proved to be another successful business. Within a couple of years, another major personality arrived on the scene and his name was Sean, born February 15, 1969. Then, less than two years later, and much to everyone’s surprise, their seventh and last child James was born on November 22 1971. With the family now complete, Ben and Norma’s adventurous spirit took over once again and inspired them to relocate the family once more and moved them to Ayr, Scotland in 1973. There, they purchased a pub/hotel called the Braehead Hotel, which inspired renewed optimism for the family and delivered an incredible experience of fun, excitement and growth for the entire family, which enriched and impacted the family’s life forever. During this time, Ben held court in one of the hippest pubs in Scotland. Packed every weekend cheek to cheek, Ben’s personality reveled in the role of entertainer at the Braehead. Wearing many different hats in a dynamic business he was a host, singer, bartender, and occasional bouncer. Notwithstanding all these roles he took up his trowel once more and he and his workers built one of the first discotheques in Scotland that they christened “The Americana.” This was at the height of disco fever in the 1970’s and once again Ben was ahead of his time. Of all these roles Ben played during this period, the one love he continued to enjoy was singing. His favorite artist was Frank Sinatra. You could swear the words for “My Way” were written for him. Ben would enjoy this period in the Braehead for 7 great years and would continue to reminisce about the experiences for the rest of his life. It was once said by a friend of Ben’s to his son some 15 years later. “Jamie what your Dad brought this town and its people was a ray of sunshine for a wee while.” The family’s adventure in Ayr was followed by another adventure in 1980, this time to the warm shores of South Florida. It is here the family would settle for next 30 plus years. Ben and Norma owned the Terrace Plaza Hotel and later started the British Connection Imports. Once again, Ben would make his mark as bricklayer and continued working until poor health forced him to retire from his profession at age 60. However, he continued to help Norma out at the British Connection for some 10 years after his retirement. Ben also continued to be a local personality and enjoyed life to the fullest winning the occasional singing contest. He also was a member of the South Florida Celtic Supporters Club and enjoyed attending games with his three sons. Of particular enjoyment was the football banter and reminiscing of old times in Scotland with his friends that brought him back home to his beloved Scotland. The most important part of Ben’s life was his family. During the 30+ years in Florida, Ben enjoyed watching his kids flourish in their own right and he was thrilled to witness and be a part of his family growth. He is best characterized as a wonderful Father and friend. He was charming, with a razor sharp wit and was an insightful old soul that made any stranger feel at home. Ben is survived by his wife, Norma, 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with another new arrival expected in September. His light shines in all of us and everyone's life he ever touched. He joins his son Benny in the next life where we will all meet again. Ben McCluskie: “You Will Never Walk Alone.” Ben’s Family Children & Spouses: • Donna & John Galloway • Patricia & Bobby Smith • Benny McCluskie • Martin & Leslie McCluskie • Diane & Patrick Eagan • Sean McCluskie & Kerry Mackay • James & Olga McCluskie Grand Children & Spouse: • Keith & Colleen Beggs • Ryan Galloway • Shannon Galloway • Elysa Galloway • Shane Smith • Kyle Smith • Kailee Smith • Shealagh Eagan • Devin Smith • Liam Eagan • Daniel McCluskie • Keiran McCluskie • Heather McCluskie • Kiera Eagan • Pierce McCluskie • Fiona McCluskie Great Grand Children • Dominic Hodge • Ryan Galloway Jr. • Cailin Beggs • Angelisa Galloway • Max Beggs • Annabella Galloway A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 31, 2011 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. and at Savino-Weissman Funeral Home & Cremation Services located directly across the street from Northwest Medical Center on 441, south of Sample Road, 2950 North State Road 7 Margate, Fl 33063, 954.977.5244, www.savinofuneralhome.com, www.weissmanfuneralhome.com. A Funeral Service will take place during the Visitation at 3:00 P.M. Broadcast of the Ceremony can be found at the following link: (Cut and paste on address bar) http://BernardMcCluskie8643.SavinoFuneralHomeSympathyNet.ezwebcast.com/login/user/user534165/password/bdf8ea3d5425bfdbd4164cbb3be20b56 WHEN: Live Event Sunday, July 31 2011, 03:00 pm EDT IMPORTANT Please Note: This is Eastern Time (New York Time) please adjust your schedule to be available at the appropriate time. For directions please click on the service schedule button. To sign the virtual guestbook please click on the sign guestbook button. To share a memory/story please click on the Life Stories button. To upload a picture please click on the photo gallery button. In lieu of flowers please forward any donations to Catholic Charities Ccadm.org/home , in name of Bernard McCluskie. Savino Weissman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is entrusted with funeral arrangements. We are located directly across the street from Northwest Medical Center on 441 south of Sample Road, 2950 North State Road 7 Margate, Fl 33063, 954.977.5244, www.savinofuneralhome.com, www.weissmanfuneralhome.com.

Bernard J. McCluskie

July 3, 1930 - July 21, 2011